She was sitting in her special quiet
place with the lamplight falling on the pages of a
love letter. She poured over the words and took in the meaning of
the words meant just for her. She longed for the day she would see
him face to face and get to express her love for him. But she didn't
realize he was right there with her! Sitting right next to her. She
wasn't attuned to his presence!
How many of us have felt guilty about
having “devotions”? How many of us have struggled with having a
time of reading our Bible and praying? Is it just a “chore” to
cross off our list? Is it something we do or Someone we meet?
Jesus said in John 5:39-40, “You have
your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you will find
eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These
scriptures are all about me!” And here I am, standing right before
you and you aren't willing to receive from Me the life you say you
want.” AMP
This sounds like reading the Scriptures
isn't important. But that isn't what Jesus is saying. Here it is in
ESV: “You search the scriptures because you think in them you have
eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you
refuse to come to me that you may have life.”
A few months ago two friends posted
quotes the same day that complemented each other, not knowing the
other was posting. They spoke truth to me. The first one: “Too
many people are content to live a life of information rather than
revelation. But knowledge alone will never inflame a sustained blaze
in you to love Jesus passionately. Only revelation will do that.”
Banning Leishbscher in Journey of a World Changer. The second
quote: “Revelation leads to encounter which leads to
relationship.”
Remember, you are meeting with a Person
– Jesus. He is the lover of our souls and He made Adam (and the
human race) at Creation for the purpose of fellowship. He wants to
be in a relationship with us on a personal, individual basis. It is
in Him that we find eternal life. And after we have come to Him in
saving faith, He desires us to commune with him. So read your Bible
for sure, but also take time to sit in His Presence, be quiet and
wait. Wait to feel Him right there with you. He lives in your
heart. But our lives, our minds are so busy that we need to quiet
ourselves to be able to sense His Presence. Then take time to talk
to him, friend to Friend. And you will progress from Information,
to Revelation, to a Relationship. And this will lead
to Transformation.
Francis Chan wrote: “Our lack of
intimacy is due to our refusal to unplug and shut off communication
from all others so we can be alone with Him.”
Paul David Tripp wrote in DangerousCalling, “
Chosen by the will of the
Father.
Justified by the sacrifice
of the Son
Transformed by the
presence of the Spirit
GRACE
Sins forgiven
Acceptance given
Presence assured
Wisdom given
Power supplied
Future sealed
GRACE
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